Regulatory Bodies in Saudi Arabia: Everything Indian Exporters Need to Know in 2025

Regulatory Bodies Used in Saudi Arabia: Everything Indian Exporters Need to Know in 2025

India and Saudi Arabia have a comprehensive trading relationship as Indian businesses continue to export chemicals, textiles, wearables, Electronics, Telecommunication, Food products, pharmaceutical goods, engineering goods, and consumables. But when operating in the Kingdom, one thing stands out: understanding industry bodies that manage trade, regulation, compliance, and quality control.

The go-to guide if you want to enter or grow in the Saudi market 2025

It’s your possibilities if you are aiming to step in or grow in the Saudi market in 2025.

Why Should You Comply with Saudi Regulatory Authorities for Indian Exporters?

Saudi Arabia has been working to simplify its regulatory environment in line with Vision 2030. The focus is on:

• Enhancing consumer safety

• Quality assurance and compliance to international standards

• Reducing counterfeit and substandard imports

• Supporting local manufacturing

Which is why compliance is not optional — it is a must for Indian exporters.

Key Regulatory Bodies in Saudi Arabia

1. SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization)

SASO sets technical regulations and product standards. If you're exporting electronics, electricals, textiles, or mechanical equipment, you’ll likely need:

2. SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority)

If your exports include:

3. ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority)

ZTCA overseas customs clearance, HS code classification, VAT compliance, and tariffs. To avoid customs delays or penalties:

4. GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization)

GSO sets unified technical regulations across the GCC region. G-mark certification (similar to CE mark in Europe) is required for many:

Exporters should understand GSO standards if they want multi-GCC market access.

Key Saudi Portals (2025)

 1. SABER Platform (SASO)

Website: https://saber.sa

• Purpose: Product registration and issuance of Certificates of Conformity (PCoC & SCoC).

• Used by: Manufacturers, exporters, importers, conformity assessment bodies.

• Certifications:

• PCoC – Product Certificate of Conformity

• SCoC – Shipment Certificate of Conformity

• Energy Efficiency

• Water Efficiency

• Cosmetics and Detergents

• Textile & Leather

 2. SFDA – Saudi Food & Drug Authority

Website: https://www.sfda.gov.sa

• Purpose: Registration and approval of:

• Food & Beverages

• Cosmetics

• Medical Devices

• Pharmaceuticals

• Relevant Portals:

• GHAD System: For food, cosmetic & supplement registration.

• MDMA/UDI: For medical device registration and listing.

 3. SLS – Saudi Labeling System

Website: https://www.label.saber.sa

• Purpose: Issuance of Water Efficiency Label (WEL) and Energy Efficiency Labels.

• Applies to: Electrical appliances, water fixtures, etc.

 4. GSO – Gulf Standards Organization

Website: https://www.gso.org.sa

• Purpose: Unified GCC standards (for Gulf countries) and G-Mark certification.

• G-Mark: Mandatory for children’s toys and low voltage electrical equipment.

5. MCI – Ministry of Commerce and Investment

Website: https://mci.gov.sa

• Purpose: Commercial registration, product recalls, anti-counterfeit measures.

• Note: Plays a role in verifying certificates and monitoring market.

6. Customs Portal – FASAH

Website: https://www.fasah.sa

• Purpose: Integrated import-export documentation and shipment clearance.

• Connected With: SABER, SFDA, and other compliance systems.

7. NECR – National Equipment Calibration Registry

Website: https://necr.saso.gov.sa

• Purpose: For calibration laboratories and equipment registration under SASO.

 8. IECEE Certificate Portal (SASO)

Website: https://iecee.saso.gov.sa

• Purpose: Issuance of national IECEE certificates for regulated electrical/electronic products.

• Mandatory for: Products like mobile phones, chargers, batteries, home appliances, etc.

• Note: Required before uploading such products to SABER.

 9. Fasah Single Window (ZATCA - Customs Clearance)

Website: https://www.fasah.sa

• Purpose: Electronic clearance of import/export shipments.

• Integrated with: SABER, SFDA, and other certification bodies.

10. MERO – Medical Devices Establishment Registration (SFDA)

Website: Part of the SFDA Portal

• Purpose: For registration of entities involved in the import, distribution, or manufacture of medical devices in KSA.

• Mandatory before: Registering devices on the MDMA portal.

11. WATER – Water Efficiency Product Registration

• Website: Accessed via SLS or SABER

• Purpose: Water fixture products (e.g., faucets, showers) must be registered and tested for water efficiency.

12. TAQYEES – SASO Calibration Portal

Website: https://taqyees.sa

• Purpose: Metrology services for calibration labs and measurement equipment.

• Managed by: SASO

13. G-Mark Portal (for Toys & Low Voltage Equipment)

Website: https://gmportal.gso.org.sa

• Purpose: For obtaining Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark).

• Used in: GCC-wide market (including Saudi Arabia).

14. SAMA – Saudi Central Bank Certification (for Fintech/IT security)

Website: https://www.sama.gov.sa

• Purpose: Cybersecurity compliance and certifications in financial & insurance sectors.

 15. Baladi – Municipal Portal

Website: https://www.balady.gov.sa

• Purpose: Licensing of businesses (such as food outlets, salons, factories) that may need hygiene or health compliance.

16. Marn Business Licensing Platform

Website: https://marn.sa

• Purpose: Licensing and approval for business operations, especially for tech/startups.

What Do Indian Exporters Need to Focus On?

For seamless market access in Saudi Arabia, one must:

✔ Enlist your items on SABER or other appropriate systems

✔ Secure requisite PKI conformity certifications SASO, SFDA, GSO

✔ Use Arabic labelling where applicable

✔ Engage a certified Notified Body or Conformity Assessment body

✔ Observe Saudi Arabia's technical regulations

Be responsive to modifications in Saudi Arabia’s technical regulations.

Final Thoughts 

While the Saudi market holds great promise for Indian exporters, there are many regulations in place. Having a grasp on how SASO and SFDA operate is crucial in order to avoid schizophrenia when dealing with red tape. If long-term opportunities in the GCC matter to you, adhering to regulations is the strongest business edge you could ever have.

Need Help with Saudi Certifications?

At Sanyog Conformity Solutions, we help Indian exporters ensure hassle-free entry into GCC markets like Saudi Arabia. From SASO and SFDA clearances to SABER certification and more — we handle the compliance, so you can concentrate on expanding your business.

📞 Let’s Talk: +91 78970 01049

🌐 www.sanyogconformity.com